my sister-in-law arrives
carrying her luggage
loaded with paper and plastic bags
and heads to the casita
and I suddenly think
of all the metaphors that fit her
like homemade sourdough
crusty soft and warm
or that mountain hike to a waterfall
that never disappoints
or a good novel
you don’t want to end
she’s always at the very least
a well-timed forecast
that incense in the air
after a long rain